Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started Customize Products Trane Owners Indoor Air Quality

Getting Started

Why is a matched system so important?
A matched system is important for a variety of reasons. One is comfort. When all your components are properly sized to your home, you can control exactly how much heating or cooling you need so you can relax. Also, a properly sized matched system enables every component to perform as designed, meaning proper cycle times are maintained, humidity is controlled, and system sound is minimized.
Another reason matched systems are important is efficiency. Most systems people buy are too large for their homes, meaning they pay to heat and cool space that isn't even there. A matched system outlined when we've completed a load calculation for your home provides just the right amount of heating and cooling you need so you get the most value for your utility dollar.

What are the advantages of units with variable speed fans?
Variable speed fans operate on a simple principle: they are able to spin at different speeds depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home. Usually, they operate at lower speeds, delivering a steady, reliable stream of warm or cool air to your home. This helps control humidity levels, utility costs and system noise. When conditions become more extreme, the fan speed increases so that the system can meet increased demand, guaranteeing that on even the hottest days or coldest nights, you're comfort needs will be met.

How does a whole-home air cleaner like Trane CleanEffects™work as part of my system?
Trane CleanEffects™is designed to perfectly fit as a component of your total home comfort system. Unlike many air cleaners that are situated in a single room of the house, CleanEffects™is installed and operated through the same duct work that your furnace or air conditioner might use. So even though it's attractively designed, it operates out of sight of most living spaces to provide up to 99.98% cleaner air throughout your entire home.

What is a SEER rating and how does it impact my energy costs?
SEER means Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Like its "mpg" counterpart in the automotive industry, the SEER gives an indication of the performance efficiency of the system. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. And, the more efficient the unit, the lower the operating costs.
Experts say that by purchasing a system with a high SEER, you'll use less energy to cool your house, resulting in lower electric bills. In many cases, these savings are enough to partially or fully offset the cost of the new equipment within a few years.

What do all those rating numbers mean?
The federal government requires all air conditioning and heating equipment to be rated for efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model. Gas furnaces are rated for (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This defines the amount of heat used to warm your home from the burned fuel. A 90% furnace will use 90% of the available heat to heat your home. 10% of the heat is vented outdoors. Many older gas furnaces are only 60% efficient. The other 40% is vented outdoors. You can see that a new high-efficiency furnace will require much less fuel to heat your home. For air conditioning, the rating is (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This rating is based on general design criteria such as the compressor and outdoor coil. SEER ratings are for comparison purposes only, so that homeowners will know how they can compare different brands of products with similar efficiency ratings. The rating for the outdoor unit will reference a general efficiency range, such as 14 SEER. The actual efficiency rating for a specific system will depend on the combination of the outdoor unit and the indoor coil. These ratings are available from us and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute's Energy Guide. A variable-speed indoor blower unit will increase the efficiency rating of the system, as well. Heat pumps are rated by SEER for cooling efficiency and by (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating efficiency. As with other ratings, the higher the HSPF, the less energy it will take to warm your home.

I need a new outdoor unit, but my indoor unit works fine. What are the advantages of replacing my whole system at the same time?
We recommend that your replace the indoor coil or air handler when replacing the outdoor unit. Both of these components are integral to the closed refrigerant loop and together determine the capacity and efficiency of your system. If you do not replace the indoor unit, there will be no test data available for the new combination to establish the expected capacity or efficiency of your system. Also, the indoor system may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency, and you may be faced in the near future with replacing the indoor unit after it fails and having to pay to have the closed refrigerant system opened again. It would be expensive and be another opportunity for contamination. You end up paying more. If your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to need service in the near future.

What noise factors do I need to consider when selecting an air conditioner or heat pump?
The industry sound rating numbers are complicated and often difficult to understand. Sound rating is just one of these areas. A difference of 6 decibels (such as between 72 dB and 78 dB) is technically a four-fold increase in compressor sound when rating air conditioners or heat pump units. However, it takes a difference of 10 decibels to double the loudness. It is also noted that it takes approximately 3 decibels for the average human ear to discern any difference in loudness at all. In many cases, the sound rating isn't as significant a determiner of sound difference to listeners as is the sound characteristics or quality. One type of sound with a lower sound power rating may be more offensive to a homeowner than another with a higher sound power rating. There are other important considerations, such as location, when considering the effects of sound. Our overall product line offers homeowners significant choices.

How much will my new air conditioning system cost?
That depends. There are many factors that must be considered. These include:

The efficiency of the equipment
The size of your home
Is the ductwork installed and in good condition?
Do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner?

In most cases, replacing your whole system, including both indoor and outdoor components, will result in a more efficient, longer-lasting system but will also cost a little more.

Will anything help control the humidity in my house?
Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable-speed air-handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable-speed motor also uses much less electricity than conventional motors. A two-stage outdoor air conditioning unit will operate at a low speed, removing more moisture and allowing greater comfort than a single-stage air conditioning unit. Some variable-speed indoor blower units have Enhanced Mode that runs a very cold coil and enables the blower to slowly ramp up and down. This will wring-out extra moisture from the indoor air.

What is a "ton" of air conditioning?
The air conditioning term "ton" equates to 12,000 BTUH (British Thermal Units per Hour). A 3 ton air conditioner is capable of removing a combined sensible and latent (humidity) load of 36,000 BTUH per hour (3 x 12,000).

Will a 12 SEER unit cool better than a 10 SEER unit?
The capacity of an air conditioner should not be confused with the efficiency rating. New units of like capacity cool equally as well regardless of efficiency rating. However, the unit with the higher efficiency rating uses less electricity.

My old unit has not performed well the last couple of years. Do I need a bigger unit?
Air conditioning units are like automobiles. They don't get the same gas mileage after 15 or 20 years of use. The majority of people who replace their air conditioning units with the same capacity unit experience a noticeable difference in comfort levels due to the fact the system is new and providing the full capacity for which it was designed. Unless changes have occured in your home such as a room addition, the addition of skylights, etc., upsizing is rarely necessary. Occasionally air conditioners can be downsized if additional insulation or storm windows have been added. It's always best to have a professional make an on-site visit to determine the exact requirements of your home.

How do I know how much air conditioning I need?
Be careful using any rule of thumb method to determine the capacity requirement for your home. Under-sized equipment obviously will not keep your home comfortable during peak cooling demand times, and over-sized equipment could be more expensive to operate and cause problems of high humidity. All manufacturers and HVAC experts agree, the only way to determine the size air conditioner you need is by using a formula called a "load calculation". Magic Touch will be happy to come to your home or office and using the latest computer software on the market, perform a load calculation.

Customize Your System

What is a load calculation and why is it so important?
A load calculation determines what the proper size system is for your specific home. It factors in a number of criteria used to determine what size components you should include as part of your total comfort system, things like square footage, number of windows, and year-round weather concerns. A load calculation is important so that your system operates at maximum efficiency, with optimum performance. Most homes have systems that are oversized, so you end up paying more than you should to heat and cool your home. Also, systems that are improperly sized tend to cycle too quickly or too slowly, and that can lead to maintenance problems, uneven temperatures, and an inability to control humidity. A properly sized system based on a correct load calculation can help ensure you enjoy long-lasting, reliable comfort whatever the season.

What size system do I need for my home?
It is important that new or replacement equipment is not sized by "Rule of Thumb" or by duplicating the existing equipment capacity. The only accurate way to determine the correct capacity of heating and air conditioning equipment for your home is to have a load calculation performed on your home. There is a specific method to do this calculation. This will give the heat gain and heat loss design data for your home. These figures can then be used to select the appropriately sized air conditioning or heating system for your home, based on equipment-performance data. Many factors determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are:

square feet to be cooled and heated
climate
humidity
number of windows
insulation factors
which direction your home faces
heat producing appliances
the number of people who will be in the home

Oversized air conditioning systems will not remove adequate moisture from the indoor air due to short cycling. Also, oversized systems quickly cool the indoor air temperature, but they do not run long enough to remove the humidity. That leaves you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. Control of your home's climate is rarely achieved with oversized systems and electricity consumption is higher than with a properly sized system. An oversized furnace is similar to an oversized air conditioning system. The furnace run time is short, creating uncomfortable air stratification and less air filtration. Also, the frequent cycling of the unit on and off can cause undue wear and tear on internal working components. An undersized air conditioning system will not adequately cool your home on the hottest days and an undersized furnace will not adequately heat your house on the coldest days. Contact us for a load calculation on your home and a recommendation of the best system to meet your family's needs.

How do I verify the size of my air conditioner or heat pump?
The capacity in tons of a Trane outdoor unit can be determined by dividing the 7th and 8th digit of the model number by 12. So if the model number is 4TTX4036A1000A, take 36 and divide by 12, equalling 3 tons. This is only for Trane models. Other companies use a different method based on their model number nomenclature.

How do I find out about promotional programs or specials on equipment?
Call us! (480) 855-8789 or Email us at: info@magictouchair.com

Do you provide financing options for equipment purchases?
We provide up to 8-year customer financing.We also have other local options as well as seasonal promotions. Please contact us for specific information about the current financing options available.

How much will my new system cost?
That depends. There are many factors that must be considered. These include:

The efficiency of the equipment
The size of your home
Is the ductwork installed and in good condition?
Do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner?

In most cases, replacing your whole system, including both indoor and outdoor components, will result in a more efficient, longer-lasting system but will also cost a little more.

Products

The air coming from the registers feels cool when my new heat pump is set for heating. Is there a problem?
While a heat pump is perfectly capable of effectively heating your home, the temperature of the air coming out of the registers confuses some people. The air is heated to about 90 to 95 degrees, depending on the outdoor temperature. This temperature is approximately 20 to 25 degrees warmer than the indoor air temperature and will warm your house. It is, however, below body temperature (98.6 degrees) and can feel cool when someone puts their hand in the airflow.

What is a hot surface igniter?
Unlike older-model gas furnaces that used a standing pilot light to ignite the burners on the furnace, many of today's models use an electronic ignition system. This includes a Hot Surface Igniter, sometimes referred to as a glow plug or glow stick. When there is a call for heat, the igniter receives electrical current in order to heat its surface and ignite the burners in the furnace. Some hot surface igniters are fairly fragile and can be damaged during transit or installation. Trane's Silicon Nitride Igniter, used on the XV/XL/XR models, is more durable. Cracks in a hot surface igniter are not necessarily visible. After installation, the glow pattern should be checked by your local independent dealer for inconsistencies, and replaced if necessary. Cracks will not necessarily prevent the igniter from working, but will shorten its life. It is important that the correct original equipment manufacturer's igniter be used when replacing an igniter. There are many igniters on the market. However, many do not have the correct voltage or warm-up time as the original design.

What are the differences in Trane's single-stage, 2-Stage, and variable-speed gas furnaces?
A single stage furnace will deliver the same amount of heat and airflow no matter what the temperature is outside. A 2-stage furnace with a 2-stage thermostat will begin in first stage (low burner, low airflow) and only go to second stage if the indoor temperature drops during first stage. This makes the furnace run longer, providing greater air circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration. This also provides a more consistent indoor environment. The second stage will only come on when the need is there and then it will be able to run longer and maintain the comfort level. The more your system starts and stops, the less control you will have of your home's environment - and the less efficiently it works, partly due to duct heat loss. The advantage of Trane's 2-stage, variable-speed furnace is it has Comfort-R™ Enhanced mode. This allows the coil to cool quickly and the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down or operate at 50 percent of the cooling air speed in the FAN ON position. This provides greater humidity control, quieter operation, and maximum air circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration.

What is an air handler?
The major components enclosed in an air handler's cabinetry are the blower and motor, controls, heater compartment, and an evaporator coil. This is why it is also sometimes referred to as a fan coil. A standard air handler, like the single stage furnace, delivers the same amount of airflow no matter what the temperature inside. Trane's variable-speed air handler has Comfort-R Enhanced mode, like our variable-speed gas furnace, allowing the coil to cool down quickly and the blower to slowly ramp up and ramp down or to operate at 50 percent of the cooling air speed in the FAN ON position. This provides greater humidity control, quieter operation, maximum air circulation, temperature distribution, and air filtration for greater control of your home's indoor environment.

What are the differences in Trane XB and XLi heat pump and air conditioner units?
Our XLi outdoor product lines have higher air conditioning efficiencies (SEER) ranges than the XB line. Some of the enhanced features include Trane's patented WeatherGuard™ top that provides maximum protection for the outdoor condenser coil, a compressor sound enclosure for quiet performance, a two-speed condenser fan that improves both efficiency and sound levels, and twice the original limited warranty as the XB outdoor product line.

I am interested in a programmable thermostat for my home comfort system. What thermostat should I select?
We recommend Trane/Honeywell Programmable Comfort Controls such as the XL800 or XL600 series thermostats. Please contact us for assistance with purchase and installation of energy-saving controls.

What is a heat pump?
The heat pump is an air conditioner that reverses the process of removing heat from the inside of the house in summer to absorbing the heat from outside air and moving it inside in winter. It is effective by itself down to temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. At that point, either a gas furnace or an air handler with supplemental electric heat will kick in and help heat your home. The Auxiliary Heat light on your thermostat will light. The heat pump will continue to operate along with the electric auxiliary heat. It will shut off when a gas furnace is energized. Emergency heat is a manual override option in the event your heat pump needs service.

What is the purpose of auxiliary heat?
Under normal operating conditions, the auxiliary heat is brought on automatically by the thermostat when the indoor temperature drops during heat pump operation. There are also times during cold, wet weather when the outdoor coil may ice up and your heat pump will go into a defrost cycle. This is nothing more than reversing the process back to cooling mode. Cooling mode makes the outdoor coil hot and melts any ice. The defrost cycle should only last a few minutes and then return to heating mode. During the defrost cycle, your comfort system is in cooling mode and the supply air is cool. To offset this cool air, the auxiliary heat will be energized during defrost. A mist or fog may be visible from the outdoor unit during defrost.

Is a heat pump the right choice for my home?
The heat pump is effective in many geographies. In all electric applications, the heat pump may consume less energy than an electric furnace or air handler using resistance heat. Why? Because it can deliver the same amount of BTUs as electric heaters using less electrical input than the electric heat. In moderate climates the savings that natural gas yields may not be as advantageous as in colder climates, since there is less frequent use of the furnace in milder climates. Of course, the heat pump can be matched with a gas furnace where preferred. The heat pump can operate in the milder temperatures when the gas furnace may tend to short-cycle.

For Trane Owners

How often should I change or clean my filters?
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.

Where is my filter located?
Your air filter should be located in either the blower compartment of the furnace, in an attached filter case, or in a return air grille in a wall of your home. If you cannot find the air filter, contact us for assistance.

Where can I purchase filters?
If you are unable to find the appropriate-size air filter at your local hardware outlet, or you can contact us.

What services need to be performed for preventative maintenance on my heating and air conditioning equipment? How often should this maintenance be performed?
We recommend you have us perform preventative maintenance before the winter heating season and before the summer cooling season. We offer service agreements that include reduced rates on labor and parts and provide priority response. Service/maintenance agreements include cleaning indoor and outdoor coils if accessible, tightening electrical connections, checking supply voltage and operating current, checking refrigerant charge, measuring temperature differential at supply and return registers, cleaning blower wheel and motor, inspecting and adjusting burner, checking heat exchangers, cleaning drain lines and pan, checking ductwork for leaks and insulation, and checking thermostat.

How do I verify when my Trane equipment was manufactured?
The first letter of the serial number gives the year of manufacture as follows:
9=2009
8=2008
7=2007
6=2006
5=2005
4=2004
3=2003
2=2002
Z=2001
R=2000
P=1999
N=1998
M=1997
L=1996
K=1995
J=1994
H=1993
G=1992
F=1991
E=1990
D=1989
C=1988
B=1987
S=1986
Y=1985
X=1984
W=1983
U=1982(seventh digit)
T=1981(seventh digit)
O, A=1980(seventh digit)

Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes. In fact, rain helps keep your unit clean. Of course, because heat pumps run all year long, they should never be covered.

How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers?
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need intake and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.

What are the average life expectancies for heating and air conditioning equipment?
The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 years. The average expected life of a heat pump is approximately 10 to 12 years, since it operates year round. The average expected life of a gas furnace or air handler may be longer. Units in corrosive environments, such as, but not limited to coastal installations, will tend to have shorter lives.

Is there any advantage to setting my thermostat fan to "ON" so the fan runs constantly?
Yes, there are a couple. The first is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. The second is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout the home. However, continuous fan mode during COOLING operation may not be appropriate in humid climates. If the indoor air exceeds 60% humidity or simply feels uncomfortably humid, it is recommended that the fan be used in AUTO mode.

I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system?
We do not advise homeowners to choose home comfort systems based on the refrigerant they use. The Clean Air Act does not allow ANY refrigerants to be vented into the atmosphere. They must be reclaimed, recycled and reused.
Units using the current refrigerant, R-22, will always be serviced with R-22. They will not need to be changed to a different refrigerant. The scheduled phased-out of R-22 allows for plenty of refrigerant to be available to service all cooling units and heat pumps that use R-22 for the life of the equipment. We do offer limited lines of high efficiency comfort systems using R-410A refrigerant. Our gradual introduction of these products has allowed servicers in the field the opportunity to adapt to the required installation and service techniques, to ensure homeowners continue to receive the comfort and value they have chosen.
As the HVAC industry gradually and confidently transitions to a new refrigerant, we encourage homeowners to maintain their focus on purchasing energy efficient home comfort products that best meet their comfort needs. Purchasing higher-efficiency air conditioning and heating systems and better sealing our homes will not only improve comfort and reduce energy costs, but will also improve our environment.

Why do my lights flicker when my air conditioner turns on?
Light flicker associated with the starting of appliances usually does not pose any safety problems and does not damage appliances. Proper wire connections and grounding are necessary to reduce flicker. Contractors and homeowners should check with their local utility regarding the appropriate wire size and transformer servicing the home. In cases where light dimming is related to the starting of a central air conditioner, and the previously discussed steps have not resolved the situation, manufacturers offer start assist kits that can be purchased which may help reduce flicker. Please contact us for assistance.

What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty?
A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, the warranty language limits it. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the limited warranty. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty.

Indoor Air Quality

Why should I be worried about my air indoors?
We spend 90% of our time every day indoors. Plus, today's efficient, airtight homes are excellent at conserving energy, but that also makes them better at trapping potentially irritating particles inside the home. With the rising number of people who suffer from allergies and asthma, indoor air quality has become more and more important to our general health and well-being.

What kinds of things are in my home air that might be affecting my family's health and comfort?
A wide range of particulate matter can be in your home's air, including:

Dust
Animal hair and dander
Mold spores
Smoke
Bacteria
Pollen
Dust mites
Lint
Cooking grease

What does Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) mean?
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is recognized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a fair and objective measure of various air cleaner technologies. CADR provides the number of cubic feet of clean air a unit delivers each minute. A higher CADR means a greater amount of clean air is being delivered to your home.

I keep my home very clean. Could the air in my home still not be clean?
Yes. Consider that the average home generates 40 pounds of dust for every 1500 square feet of space. While regular home cleaning is an excellent measure to reduce exposure to irritants and pollutants, it's simply impossible to remove enough of the material by hand to make your home's air as comfortable as it can be.

What can I do to help make my home's air cleaner?
The best thing you can do is to remove as many of the particles from your home's air as you can, with an air filtration system. It works as part of your total home comfort system to remove up to 99.98% of the airborne allergens from your home's filtered air. There is no other system you can buy that matches the effectiveness of Trane CleanEffects.

How is Trane CleanEffectsT different from the air cleaners I see advertised on TV?
No other air filter can even come close to the effectiveness of a Clean Effects.
Take a look at this table and see:

Trane CleanEffects™also generates a minimal amount of ozone, less than 5 PPB (parts per billion), well below the 10 PPB FDA voluntary emission limit for medical devices and significantly below some ionic-type room appliances that may reach hundreds of PPBs. Also, since the unit is not typically placed in your home's living areas like room-size cleaners are, there is no annoying noise that can make it difficult for you to relax.